Stephanie Powell Watts facts for kids
Stephanie Powell Watts is an American author who writes interesting stories and novels. She has won several important awards for her work, including a Whiting Award in 2013 and an Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence in 2012. Her books often explore the lives of African-Americans in North Carolina.
Her book We are Taking Only what We Need is a collection of 11 short stories. These stories give readers a look into the lives of African-Americans living in North Carolina. Her short stories have also been chosen for the "Best New Stories from the South" collection and she received a Pushcart Prize.
Watts' first novel, No One Is Coming to Save Us, was published in 2017. This novel tells the story of a successful man who returns to his hometown in North Carolina. He tries to become part of the only family he ever truly wanted but never had. Watts described the book as being like The Great Gatsby but set in rural North Carolina, focusing on the challenges faced by black people there.
About Stephanie Powell Watts
Watts was born and grew up in Lenoir, North Carolina. This town is located in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She went to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for her first degree. Later, she earned her PhD from the University of Missouri.
Today, Stephanie Powell Watts lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and son. She works as an associate professor of English at Lehigh University, where she teaches students about literature and writing.
Books by Stephanie Powell Watts
- We are Taking Only what We Need was published by BkMk Press, University of Missouri-Kansas City, in 2011. Its ISBN is 9781886157798.
- No One Is Coming to Save Us was published by Ecco in 2017. Its ISBN is 978-0062472984.
